“No-Bust Blackjack” has referred to California player-dealer games with a target other than ordinary 21 and special comparison rules. It is not standard blackjack, and older approved rules may not describe a currently lawful or offered game.
One documented historical ruleset
A California cardroom filing for No Bust 21st Century Blackjack used “Natural 22” as the target. Hands over 22 did not automatically lose. When both sides exceeded 22, the closer total determined the result under special rules; the player-dealer won some ties, and two-card Joker-Joker paid 2:1.
The filing also allowed doubles on any two cards, prohibited splitting, doubling or surrendering a hand with a joker, allowed qualifying splits and double after split, and permitted up to three resplits. Those details belong to that filing, not every game called no-bust.
Why California context matters
California cardrooms use a player-dealer structure and approved game rules. In 2026 the state adopted new blackjack-style-game requirements, including a target other than 21 and no immediate bust feature, but litigation suspended the implementation timeline while the state appealed. Current status and approved rules must therefore be checked directly.
Do not use standard strategy
A target of 22, jokers, tie rules and a rotating player-dealer change the mathematics. A conventional blackjack chart or house-edge figure does not apply.
Further reading
Verify the current approved rule sheet and collection fees before play.
